Peter King: Tony Pollard, Not Ezekiel Elliott, 'Is the Best RB on the Cowboys Roster'

Ezekiel Elliott is still the Dallas Cowboys' starting running back, but Tony Pollard continues to turn heads.

"I'm a broken record on this: Tony Pollard is the best running back on the Cowboys roster," Peter King of NBC Sports said.

Pollard was much more efficient than Elliott when given the chance last year, averaging more yards per carry (5.5 to 4.2) and yards per reception (8.6 to 6.1). Elliott had more than twice as many offensive snaps in 2021, and 115 more touches, although Pollard still tallied 1,056 yards from scrimmage compared to the starter's 1,289.

The problem for Pollard is Elliott started all 17 games last year and remains the go-to option in the Cowboys backfield.

"We go as Zeke goes," Dallas owner Jerry Jones said last week on ESPN's First Take.

Elliott will likely get the majority of carries, especially near the goal line after scoring 10 rushing touchdowns last season.

Fans and fantasy owners might agree with King that "Pollard should carry it more," although the backup should still have value in the upcoming season even with Elliott in the picture.

Quarterback Dak Prescott indicated last week Pollard will have a significant role in the passing attack.

"He can get out there and be one of our best pass-catchers, and just the way that he's grown, just with his route running from the time that we've asked him to take on that role is impressive itself," Prescott said, per ESPN's Todd Archer.

Pollard had a career-high 39 catches in 2021 and the Cowboys have extra targets to go around after losing receivers Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson. Michael Gallup is also recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season.

It could lead to plenty of touches for Pollard this season, regardless of Elliott's status.